Mesoporous polymer networks-ultraporous DVB resins by hard-templating of close-packed silica spheres

Abstract

The preparation of ultraporous polymer resins using a straightforward hard-templating synthesis is presented. Self-assembly of silica nanospheres into densely packed glasses allows an easy preparation of templates. Polydivinylbenzene resins with surface areas of up to 1000 m(2) g(-1) are synthesized as a model system and porosity analysis reveals bimodal porosity (spherical mesopores and micropores within the pore walls). The prepared systems can be further functionalized without loss of porosity as demonstrated by sulfonation. Because of their large pore sizes (13-28 nm), they are efficient adsorbents also for large molecules. Finally, the systems can also be used as model systems for the study of the pore drying and collapse process, which is of crucial importance for any application of mesoporous polymers.